Jacquelyn "Jac" A. (Scott) Ryan

Jacquelyn Alexis Ryan

Jacquelyn Alexis Ryan, 47, died Monday June 30 ^th at Emanuel Legacy Medical Center in Portland.

Jacquelyn was born January 24, 1967, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Lou and Sandy DeNovellis.  She grew up in New York and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and attended the University of New Mexico, originally as a Russian History major.  When she changed her mind and decided to become a pharmacist, she demonstrated the tenacity that became a hallmark of her too-short life by talking her way into the school’s Pharmacy program over the objections of the dean of the college.  To no one’s surprise, she earned her pharmacy degree, parlaying it into a successful career in which she took much pride.

It was during her time as a student that, on a spring break trip to Texas, Jacquelyn met the love of her life, Steve Ryan.  After a long-distance courtship that eventually resulted in Jacquelyn’s move to Illinois, the couple married in 1995.  A honeymoon in Greece ignited a passion for travel that formed an important part of Steve and Jacquelyn’s relationship.  She took great joy in planning and experiencing vacations to Paris, throughout Europe, Africa, and – the couple’s favorite – Spain.

Portland, though, became the couple’s much-loved home base.  Jacquelyn quickly became a rabid Trailblazers fan and developed a fondness for professional track and field.  She could frequently be spotted with her autograph book, chasing down renowned athletes to get them to write a “Happy Birthday, Steve” greeting as she looked on in delight.  Jacquelyn supported Steve in his own running pursuits, and also garnered great enjoyment from reading and gardening.  She also thoroughly enjoyed her role as a dog owner, a passion she discovered later in life.

Walking the couple’s dogs provided Jacquelyn with a natural conversation starter, and she loved visiting with others who valued canine companionship as much as she did.  Through her relationships with dogs, Jacquelyn was able to display the naturally caring, kind, generous, and compassionate aspects of her personality that those close to her knew well.

Jacquelyn was clear in her convictions and unflinchingly honest, with a strong sense of social justice and a sharp, clever sense of humor.  Her voracious love of books complemented her ability to incite lively conversation and also deepened her appreciation and understanding when she was immersed in the geography and the culture of the foreign lands she so loved visiting.

Those close to Jacquelyn also knew that the word “can’t” was not in her vocabulary.  Her sense of adventure made her the person she was and impacted every life she touched.  Refusing to be defined by everyday parameters, she was unafraid to seek out the life she wanted.

Those left to miss Jacquelyn and honor her memory include her husband, Steve, of Portland; her mother, Sandy DeNovellis; her dad, Lou DeNovellis; her sisters, Lori Bailey and Lisa Michael; and her nephews, Teal Harbour and Kevin Michael and his wife Holly, all of Albuquerque.  She is also survived by her Ryan in-laws in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri; and, last but certainly not least, by the two French mastiffs she loved and who loved and adored her, Lou and new puppy Nils.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jacquelyn’s name to the Oregon Humane Society, 1067 N.E. Columbia Blvd., Portland, Oregon  97211, (503) 285-7722.